We are looking for a People & OD Partner to support the delivery of our People and wellbeing Strategy and help create a high-performing, inclusive and engaged workforce.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our People team at a pivotal time for local government. As the Council prepares for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), you will play an important role in supporting organisational effectiveness, employee engagement, workforce development and organisational readiness for change.
Working alongside the Senior OD Partner, HR colleagues and managers across the Council, you will provide professional people and organisational development support that helps services improve performance, build capability and create positive employee experiences. You will take a lead role in driving our apprenticeship programme, coaching and mentoring initiatives, facilitating our corporate learning and development offer, and using workforce data and insights to shape effective organisational development interventions.
This role offers significant scope to influence organisational culture, develop talent, enhance employee wellbeing and contribute to the future success of Stroud District Council.
You may be an experience professional ready to hit the ground running, or you may meet some of the person specification but have some areas for development and would join us on a STR5 as part of a development opportunity, in which case there would be a clear development plan to enable you to progress. Either way, your application is of interest to us.
Key Responsibilities in the Role Include:
- Supporting the delivery of the Council's People Strategy and HR Service Plan
- Partnering with managers and services to improve organisational effectiveness, engagement and performance
- Supporting organisational change and helping to build a culture of change-readiness and continuous improvement
- Facilitating, promoting and continuously improving the Council's learning and development offer, ensuring opportunities are aligned to organisational and workforce needs
- Driving the operational delivery and promotion of the Council's apprenticeship programme, supporting apprentices, managers and training providers to maximise learning and development outcomes
- Developing and coordinating coaching, mentoring and action learning opportunities to build capability and support career development across the organisation
- Delivering organisational development initiatives that support talent management, succession planning and employee engagement
- Using workforce data, engagement feedback and organisational diagnostics to provide meaningful insights that inform decision-making and organisational development priorities
- Supporting managers to translate workforce insights into practical actions that enhance organisational effectiveness, capability and employee experience
- Supporting the development and embedding of the Council's wellbeing strategy and wellbeing initiatives
- Facilitating the Council's corporate induction programme and recommending improvements based on participant feedback
- Promoting effective performance management and development practices across the Council
- Championing Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (EDIEB) through all aspects of service delivery
- To actively participate in a development plan to learn and progress within the role (Stroud 5)
For more information about this role please email [email protected]
CLOSING DATE: 1st September 2026
INTERVIEW DATE:14th September 2026
In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm we provide a range of staff benefits. Please click here for more information: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/benefits-of-working-for-us
A local government reorganisation is planned for Gloucestershire, which may result in changes to structures and services. Potential changes are provisionally timetabled for April 2028. We are committed to supporting all employees through this transition and ensuring continuity of employment wherever possible. Joining us now means you’ll be part of shaping an exciting new chapter for local government.
It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities.
We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates and value the diverse lived experiences they bring.
We recognise the wide range of cognitive strengths that contribute to delivering high-quality services.
We are committed to ensuring that every applicant can participate fully and fairly in our recruitment process. To support this, we offer workplace adjustments at every stage. Please let us know if you have any additional requirements as we are here to help create a positive, inclusive, and equitable experience for all.
Responsible recruitment practices for safeguarding are in place within the Council’s HR policies and processes. This is part of our commitment as a Council to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people, and children.
Stroud District has an energy unlike any other place. It’s green and dynamic, climate conscious and motivated, creative and collaborative, and unapologetically ambitious. To find out more about what makes our place, our people and our businesses so special, please follow the link to our dedicated website: Stroud District – The Natural Place
